Work Location

GENEVA

Expected duration

from 3 to 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; Enhancing equality and countering discrimination; Combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; Integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; Widening the democratic space; and Early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity. This announcement broadcasts international internships with the Media Outreach &Spokesperson’s Office (MOSO), located in the Executive Direction Management (EDM), which focuses on engaging with the media and promoting the messaging of the High Commissioner and the Office through speeches, news releases, press briefings and other media products and activities. In addition, in aim of maximizing the impact of the work of the Section, media officers are also involved in publicizing the work of the Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall guidance of the Chief of Section/Spokesperson, the intern reports to the Deputy Spokesperson or the Public Information Officer in the assigned work unit. This internship assignment may be offered for an initial period of three (3) months, renewable for a combined period of six (6) months, upon further approval by the supervisor, with a commencement date starting from January 2025. This internship is an UNPAID and full-time engagement that provides a framework through which students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the work of the United Nations by way of their service within Secretariat entities. Applicants should have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations with a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter, and have the demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs – which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Duties and Responsabilities The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented. Daily responsibilities of Public Information interns will depend on the individual’s background and duties may include, but are not limited to, researching current human rights issues to aid media and public information outreach and, in particular, the intern may: Conduct media monitoring and compiling daily media clippings of news coverage of the work of the Office, the Treaty Bodies and Special Rapporteurs; Help with preparation of material for press conferences and bi-weekly press briefing by the Spokesperson; Assist with setting up and running events; Research and assist with providing material for a range of media platforms; Assist in researching material for speeches; and Perform other related duties requested by the supervisor, as appropriate.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme applicants must, at the time of their submission, be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree); be enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Master’s degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or have completed an aforementioned academic degree, preferably in the area of law, communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, political science, social sciences or a related field, AND, if selected, must commence the internship on the date indicated on the acceptance letter. No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is an asset. Knowledge of another United Nations official language would be an advantage (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Additional Information

THE UNITED NATIONS IS COMMITTED TO BUILDING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE AND WELCOMES APPLICANTS FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MIGRANTS AND/OR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. APPLICANTS SHOULD INDICATE THEIR PRESENT MATRICULATION STATUS AND PERIOD OF AVAILABILITY IN THE APPLICATION COVER LETTER.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.